Arthritis Treatment
Board-certified Pain Specialists
Understanding Arthritis Treatment Options
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It can affect one or multiple joints and is a common cause of chronic joint pain in adults. The most common types include:
✅ Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
✅ Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune)
✅ Psoriatic Arthritis
✅ Gout-related Arthritis
✅ Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Joint Pain & Arthritis Specialists
What Causes Joint Pain?
It typically affects most people at some point in their life due to injuries or overuse. It can make movement, various activities and daily life a challenge. Some typical causes of pain in your joints or arthritis are:
✅ Broken Bones
✅ Fibromyalgia
✅ Sprains
✅ Tendinitis
✅ Autoimmune Conditions
✅ Overuse or Injury
✅ Brusitis
FAQs
Who is at Risk for Arthritis and Joint Pain Related Conditions?
- Older adults: Age-related cartilage degeneration increases arthritis risk
- Genetic factors: Family history of rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
- Autoimmune disorders: Can trigger systemic inflammation affecting multiple joints
- Previous joint injuries: Trauma or overuse can lead to post-traumatic arthritis
When Should a Doctor be Consulted?
If you have recently experienced an injury that is resulting in nearby pain in your joints, or have been experiencing joint discomfort and pain when moving consistently you should talk to your primary care physician about seeing pain management to be evaluated and treated.
Advanced Arthritis Treatments
Treatments can vary based on pain origin and other related conditions, but in general some of our minimally invasive, joint and arthritis pain treatments include:
Joint Injections
Joint injections are done under fluoroscopy guided imaging and inject medications intended to help reduce inflammation and improve comfort and mobility.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia.
Regenerative Therapies
Two types of regenerative therapies can be used to address inflammation and support healing and symptom relief in appropriate cases. Platelet-rich Plasma and Prolotherapy are used for this treatment.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia
Medication & Topicals
Various anti-inflammatory medications are used to address inflammation and pain. There are also topical agents for inflammation that can help treat these symptoms.
*This is done outpatient and does not require anesthesia
Research insight: Persistent joint pain, swelling, and decreased mobility are key indicators of cartilage and ligament degeneration in arthritis [Logerstedt et al., 2017].
Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the joint affected and the severity of the condition:
- Joint Pain: Persistent ache or sharp pain with movement
- Swelling & Inflammation: Often accompanied by warmth or redness
- Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening affected joints
- Joint Instability: Feeling of “giving way” in weight-bearing joints
- Fatigue & Weakness: More common in autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis Diagnosis
- Physical Examination: Assess joint tenderness, swelling, and mobility
- Imaging:
- X-ray: Detects cartilage loss, bone spurs, and joint space narrowing
- MRI: Evaluates soft tissue damage, cartilage, and ligaments
- Ultrasound: Real-time imaging to detect synovial inflammation and guide injections [Elshimy et al., 2023; Lee et al., 1996]
Research insight: Image-guided injections improve precision, reduce pain during the procedure, and target inflamed synovium or degenerated cartilage [Grawe et al., 2018].
Why Choose PA Pain & Spine Institute?
- Board-certified specialists in arthritis and minimally invasive joint procedures
- Expertise in ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided injections for targeted treatment
- Comprehensive care including regenerative therapies, medications, and rehabilitation
- Goal: Reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term joint degeneration
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your visit:
- Eat and drink normally; no special preparation needed
Day of your appointment:
- Inform the doctor of allergies
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the affected joint
